వన్నెకు సున్నం పెడితే, వమ్మకు ఉండయిందట.

vanneku sunnam pedite, vammaku undayindata.

Translation

When lime was applied to improve the color, it resulted in a lump for the mother.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to improve something or make it beautiful actually ruins it or makes it worse. It is used when a well-intentioned action results in a complete mess or a loss of original value.

Related Phrases

Will lust decrease if one wears a religious mark (Naamam)?

This proverb highlights that outward displays of piety or religious symbols do not necessarily change one's internal character or base desires. It is used to point out hypocrisy or the futility of using external rituals to mask internal flaws.

When a starving woman was given stale food, she told the neighbors that her mother-in-law served her a royal feast.

This proverb describes a person who is so deprived or desperate that even the smallest, most insignificant favor feels like a grand gesture. It is used to highlight situations where someone's extreme need makes them overly grateful for something of very low value, or when someone tries to cover up their poor circumstances by glorifying a meager offering.

When a son was fed fine rice because he was the only child, he grew a moustache and became a profligate.

This proverb describes the consequences of over-pampering or over-indulging a child. By providing too many luxuries and failing to instill discipline, the child grows up to be spoiled, irresponsible, or rebellious instead of being grateful and productive. It is used to caution against excessive doting that ruins a person's character.

When requested, 'Mother-in-law, mother-in-law, please serve some food,' she replied, 'I will apply lime (chunam) instead.'

This proverb describes a situation where a person expects help or kindness but receives something harmful or insulting in return. It highlights the behavior of mean-spirited or heartless people who mock others' genuine needs or suffering instead of showing empathy.

When a repulsive person opened a shop, the incoming customers turned back immediately.

This proverb is used to describe how a person's unpleasant attitude, appearance, or behavior can drive away opportunities or success. It emphasizes that a positive presentation and welcoming nature are essential for business or social interactions, as a negative personality can repel even those who intended to help or support.

When he said "[The sight of] your cooking makes me sick," she replied "Please stay and eat your dinner before you go."

This proverb is used to describe a sarcastic or ironic situation where a person's excuse to avoid a task or a place is met with an even more inconvenient or absurd demand. It highlights the lack of empathy or total misunderstanding of someone's discomfort, or a situation where someone is forced to endure exactly what they are trying to escape from.

If the right foot is placed, the clan is destroyed; if the left foot is placed, the lineage is destroyed.

This is a sarcastic or satirical expression used to describe a person who is perceived as extremely unlucky or bringing misfortune regardless of what they do. It is often used to mock superstitious beliefs or to highlight a 'no-win' situation where every action of a particular person is blamed for a disaster.

Like applying lime to someone who asked for food

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone asks for help or a basic necessity, but instead of being helped, they are treated cruelly or given something harmful. It highlights the act of adding insult to injury or responding to a genuine plea with a malicious action.

When trying to do delicate work, everything turned into lime powder.

This proverb describes a situation where an attempt to perform a very fine or meticulous task backfires, resulting in total destruction or waste of resources. It is used when someone's over-ambition or lack of skill in handling delicate matters leads to a complete mess instead of the intended perfection.

The threshing floor and the plate should be large.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of generosity and abundance. It suggests that one should have a large heart (represented by a large plate for eating) and a productive workspace (represented by the threshing floor). It is used to encourage someone to be more liberal, resourceful, or to aim for prosperity and sharing rather than being stingy.